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CHARLESTON, SC — JULY 1, 2022 — South Carolina Ports’ Barbara Melvin steps into her new role as president and CEO today, marking the first woman to lead a top 10 U.S. operating container port.

Over the past 24 years, Melvin has served SC Ports in a variety of roles and led major infrastructure projects. Melvin has served as the port’s chief operating officer since 2018.

Melvin will now lead the nearly 1,000-person SC Ports team, who is responsible for keeping freight moving through the Port of Charleston, Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon.

“I am truly honored to lead our amazing team at SC Ports, who I have had the privilege of working with over the past two decades,” Melvin said. “Alongside our partners, we will work together to achieve operational excellence, deliver new infrastructure and grow our cargo base in support of our customers and our communities.”

Melvin is the sixth leader in the history of SC Ports. She succeeds Jim Newsome, who served as president and CEO of SC Ports for the past 13 years.

“Barbara Melvin will undoubtedly continue to build on the great success and growth at South Carolina Ports,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “Her leadership will assure SC Ports continues to flourish as a top 10 U.S. container port and as a great economic engine for our state.”

Melvin takes the helm following 15 consecutive months of record cargo volumes, which were handled amid great supply chain challenges. SC Ports provides fluidity in the supply chain for port-dependent businesses throughout the state and beyond.

SC Ports continues to invest in infrastructure to stay ahead of demand. An expansion of Inland Port Greer is underway to enhance capacity at the Upstate terminal. SC Ports is launching its port-operated chassis SMART Pool.

With great support from the SC Legislature, SC Ports is developing the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, a near-dock cargo facility designed to efficiently move goods to and from the Port of Charleston via rail.

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is on track for completion this fall, making Charleston the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet.

Melvin sees growth at SC Ports as making a generational impact on South Carolina, with port operations creating 1 in 10 jobs throughout the state.

“With the skill and talent of our team, the solid experience from our maritime community, the guidance from our Board of Directors, and the support from our elected, business and community leaders, SC Ports will continue to grow, bringing jobs and investments to our state,” Melvin said. “Our port investments will yield economic benefits for generations to come.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

South Carolina Ports’ incoming president and CEO Barbara Melvin has been honored with the prestigious Woman of Courage Award.

The College of Charleston School of Business and Women for Women Summit committee selected Melvin as the 2022 honoree and award recipient.

The Woman of Courage Award recognizes an inspirational, impactful and courageous leader who has made significant contributions to their industry and community.

Melvin, who currently serves as SC Ports’ chief operating officer, will become SC Ports’ CEO on July 1, marking the first woman to lead a top 10 U.S. operating container port.

“Barbara is the epitome of courage, resilience and grit,” said Katarina Fjording, co-chair of the Women for Women Committee and head of Volvo Car University and Sustainability Americas. “She has excelled in a male-dominated industry and evened the playing field for others, while staying true to herself. She tackles every project put before her, never shying away from a challenge. Her commitment to excellence inspires us all to elevate.”

For more than 20 years, Melvin has served SC Ports in a variety of roles. She oversaw government relations, public relations and community engagement before moving into operations in 2015.

In 2018, Melvin became the port’s first chief operating officer. As COO, Melvin oversees the daily operations of the port, including managing a team of nearly 800 people who consistently handle record-breaking cargo volumes.

Melvin leads major infrastructure projects, such as the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, which gives Charleston the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet.

Melvin sees growth at SC Ports as making a generational impact on South Carolina, with port operations creating 1 in 10 jobs throughout the state.

Melvin’s leadership also extends into the community. She helped launch SC Ports’ Community Giving Program, an annual grant program that supports nonprofits around the state. As a Liberty Fellow graduate, she created the Inspirational Pathways program at Sanders Clyde Elementary School in Charleston. She serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including for Trident United Way and the American Heart Association.

Melvin is the second person to receive the Women of Courage Award. Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and United States Ambassador to the United Nations, was the 2020 recipient.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

CHARLESTON, SC — JUNE 22, 2022 — Governor Henry McMaster honored South Carolina Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome with the Order of the Palmetto.

The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor in South Carolina. The award recognizes one’s lifetime achievements and significant contributions made to the state.

“With Jim Newsome at the helm of South Carolina Ports since 2009, our world-class port has grown significantly, attracting new business and jobs to South Carolina,” Governor Henry McMaster said. “The Order of the Palmetto not only recognizes Jim for his impressive achievements and the success of South Carolina Ports, but also honors Jim for everything he has done in service of the people of our great state.”

Under Jim’s leadership, SC Ports has significantly enhanced port operations and grown its cargo base, attracting global companies to move goods through the Port of Charleston. SC Ports’ handles imports and exports for companies throughout South Carolina and beyond.

In recent years, SC Ports has invested more than $2 billion into vital infrastructure projects to accommodate the bigger ships and record cargo volumes seen today. These strategic investments — such as creating two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon and opening the country’s newest container terminal, the Leatherman Terminal — help to ensure supply chain fluidity and global competitiveness for South Carolina.

Port investments spur economic development throughout the state. SC Ports generates a $63.4 billion statewide economic impact each year and creates 1 in 10 jobs in South Carolina.

The Order of the Palmetto honors these significant contributions to the state, as well Newsome’s commitment to service by serving many nonprofits and mentoring supply chain students.

Following 13 years as CEO of SC Ports, Newsome will step down June 30. SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin will assume the role of president and CEO on July 1. Melvin will be the sixth leader in the history of the port and the first woman to lead a top 10 U.S. operating container port.

“Jim Newsome has truly made a significant and lasting impact on South Carolina’s economy and supply chain. Under his great leadership, we have seen significant growth at the port and at port-dependent businesses around the state,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “As Barbara Melvin takes the helm, SC Ports will undoubtedly continue to build on the great success and growth at the port for the benefit of all South Carolinians.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

CHARLESTON, SC — JUNE 9, 2022 — South Carolina Ports achieved another record month for containers handled at the Port of Charleston while maintaining fluidity for customers.

May marked the 15th consecutive month of cargo records at the Port of Charleston, driven by sustained retail imports. Loaded imports were up 18% in May compared to last year.

SC Ports handled 255,104 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Leatherman Terminal in May, up nearly 11% from last year. SC Ports has moved roughly 2.7 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2022, from July through May, up 15% fiscal year-over-year.

SC Ports handled 141,823 pier containers, which account for boxes of any size, in May. This is a 10% increase from last year. Thus far in fiscal year 2022, SC Ports has moved nearly 1.5 million pier containers, up 14% from the same period last year.

“Our SC Ports team, maritime community and logistics partners have made significant progress on our berth and terminal fluidity during ongoing supply chain challenges,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “As we continue to navigate this ever-changing environment, we are implementing creative solutions for shippers, such as giving berth priority to vessels taking out more cargo and deploying more than 1,000 chassis thus far from our new SMART Pool fleet.”

SC Ports handled 17,549 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in May. Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon reported a combined 16,202 rail moves in May, up 19% from a year ago. SC Ports’ inland ports provide shippers the ability to quick move goods between the Port of Charleston and the hinterland via rail.

Inland Port Greer had a particularly strong month, handling 14,344 rail moves, which is a 27% increase year-over-year. SC Ports is expanding the Upstate inland port to handle more cargo and increase rail capacity.

The expansion of Inland Port Greer recently reached an important milestone with the addition of 2,600 feet of processing rail track in the facility, providing more room for the rubber-tiered gantry cranes to access rail cars as operators load and unload containers. The inland port now also has 4,800 feet of additional rail car storage track to accommodate longer trains.

“Our strategic, timely investments in port infrastructure provide capacity to customers ahead of demand,” Newsome said. “By expanding Inland Port Greer, increasing utilization of Leatherman Terminal and building near-dock rail at the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility, we are ensuring capacity and fluidity for decades to come.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

CHARLESTON, SC — JUNE 7, 2022 — South Carolina Ports celebrates the graduation of its 2021-2022 Port Ambassador Class, with each delegate having gained a deep understanding of how SC Ports connects to South Carolina’s economy.

The SC Ports’ Port Ambassador Program is a yearlong curriculum that provides an in-depth look into port operations. Ambassadors see firsthand how SC Ports works every day to handle goods for businesses, advanced manufacturers, mega retailers and agricultural producers.

“Ambassadors learn the importance of having a world-class port in South Carolina and the need to invest wisely in infrastructure to keep the supply chain fluid, especially given today’s supply chain challenges,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said.

This year’s class consisted of 26 delegates from around the state, hailing from a variety of industries. Throughout the year, ambassadors heard from SC Ports’ teammates, legislators and business leaders. They toured port-dependent businesses, inland ports and port terminals, including Leatherman Terminal, the country’s newest container terminal.

“The ability to see port operations up close — and knowing that each container filled with goods represents an economic opportunity — was very impactful,” said Jody Bryson, president and CEO of S.C. Technology and Aviation Center in Greenville. “We were able to see the connection between the goods moving through Port of Charleston and the jobs being created at port-dependent businesses throughout the state.”

The Port Ambassador Program is designed to increase public awareness and understanding of SC Ports’ strategic initiatives and infrastructure projects. Since the program’s inception in 2016, more than 100 ambassadors have graduated.

“Our Port Ambassador Program provides an opportunity to see how the supply chain works, and it highlights the significant impact SC Ports makes on our state’s economy,” said Jordi Yarborough, SC Ports’ senior vice president of community engagement. “We were thrilled to have such a diverse and esteemed group of professionals for our fifth class of port ambassadors.”

2021-2022 Port Ambassadors:

• Juwan Ayers, commercial banker with Synovus Bank, Charleston
• Karl Brady, Charleston City Councilmember and director of development at Teach for America-South Carolina, Charleston
• LaJoia Broughton, government relations advisor with Adams & Reese, Columbia
• Jennifer Brown, director of business development for Charleston County Economic Development, North Charleston
• James Brunson, family physician with Orangeburg Medical, Orangeburg
• Jody Bryson, president and CEO of SC Technology and Aviation Center, Greenville
• Willis Cantey, president and CEO of Cantey Tech Consulting, Charleston
• Tushar Chikhliker, attorney with Nexsen Pruet, Columbia
• Brian Frerichs, senior vice president and branch manager with Stephens Private Wealth Management, Sumter
• Rob Honeycutt, CEO and co-founder of SixAxis, Pawley’s Island
• Felicia Howard, vice president of economic development strategy with Dominion Energy, Columbia
• Pat Hudson, of counsel with Willoughby & Hoefer, Blythewood
• Andrew Lesinski, vice president and general manager of brokerage, Cardinal Logistics, Indian Land
• Edward McKelvey, senior vice president of community development banking with South State Bank, North Charleston
• Christopher McKinney, CEO and founder of 10X Leadership Consulting, Sumter
• Phillip Obie, Berkeley County Councilmember and manager of coal combustion products and Ash Pond closure with Santee Cooper, Goose Creek
• Bill Otis, former mayor of Pawley’s Island, Pawley’s Island
• Robby Robbins, attorney with Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, Summerville
• Joan Robinson-Berry, former senior vice president and chief engineer with Boeing, Charleston
• Will Salters, client development manager with Terracon, Charleston
• Heather Simmons-Jones, senior advisor with MRB Group, Charleston
• Lynn Stokes-Murray, director of government affairs with Burr Forman, Columbia
• Rebecca Vance, president of Vance LLC, Summerville
• Jim Wanner, CEO of Keymark, Liberty
• Clay Williams, broker with NAI Earle Furman, Greenville
• Natalie Zeigler, city administrator for the City of Goose Creek, Goose

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

CHARLESTON, SC — MAY 10, 2022 — South Carolina Ports continues to handle record cargo volumes while making significant progress with terminal and berth fluidity amid ongoing supply chain challenges.

SC Ports had its highest April ever for containers handled, marking the 14th consecutive month of cargo records at the Port of Charleston. Strong volumes are driven by sustained retail imports, which were up 34% in April compared to last year.

“With ongoing supply chain challenges and record cargo volumes, SC Ports remains focused on deploying responsive, creative solutions to return terminal and berth fluidity to normalcy for our customers,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “We are in a strong position as we have proactively invested more than $2 billion into our infrastructure ahead of demand.”

SC Ports handled 264,099 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Leatherman Terminal in April, up 17% from last year. SC Ports has moved 2.4 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2022, from July through April, up 15% fiscal year-over-year.

April marks an all-time record for pier containers, which account for boxes of any size. SC Ports handled 145,779 pier containers last month, a 16% increase year-over-year. Thus far in fiscal year 2022, SC Ports has moved 1.3 million pier containers, up nearly 15% from the same period the year prior.

SC Ports continues to provide real-time supply chain solutions by hiring more than 150 people in operations, providing Sunday gates for motor carriers, prioritizing the shipping lines taking empties out, giving berth priority to vessels taking out more cargo and leasing new chassis from its SMART Pool.

“Our incredibly dedicated SC Ports team and the entire maritime community has worked tirelessly to handle consistent record cargo volumes,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “They have implemented operational changes in real-time to respond to the ongoing supply chain challenges. This has enabled us to make progress on our backlog in an effort to keep our supply chain fluid.”

Vehicle volumes remained steady, with 21,829 rolling across the docks of Columbus Street Terminal in April. SC Port’s two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon handled a combined 14,945 rail moves in April.

Cruise passengers continue to rebound after resuming operations in late December, with 27,369 passengers sailing in April.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

CHARLESTON, SC — APRIL 12, 2022 — South Carolina Ports reported an all-time container record in March, marking the 13th consecutive month of cargo records at the Port of Charleston.

“As we continue to handle record volumes on our terminals, SC Ports is working alongside our maritime community and logistics partners to navigate the many challenges felt across the entire supply chain,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “We are responding to customers’ needs as we make progress on reducing the backlog.”

Strong U.S. consumer appetite for retail goods continues to drive record cargo levels, with imports up 16% year-over-year in March.

SC Ports handled 264,334 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in March, up 6% from last year. SC Ports has moved 2.14 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2022, from July through March, up 15% fiscal year-over-year.

SC Ports handled 145,415 pier containers — which accounts for containers of any size — in March, up 5% from last year. Thus far in fiscal year 2022, SC Ports has moved 1.19 million pier containers, up nearly 15% from the same period the year prior.

SC Ports is responding to the record volumes and ongoing supply chain challenges in real-time with a variety of efforts, such as providing Sunday hours for motor carriers and selective term leasing of the port’s new chassis.

Strategic investments are also key. SC Ports has hired more than 150 people in operations and invested more than $2 billion into port infrastructure. The new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal adds a much-needed berth to the East Coast port market.

At a time when the supply chain is seeing unprecedented cargo volumes, Leatherman Terminal’s capacity is not being fully utilized by USMX member ocean carriers, pending resolution of the ongoing case in front of the NLRB.

“We will continue investing in strategic port infrastructure and deploying creative solutions to ensure fluidity for our customers,” Newsome said. “We are very grateful to our dedicated SC Ports team and the entire maritime and logistics community. Thank you to the men and women working so hard to keep freight moving for the Southeast supply chain.”

SC Ports also handled 21,809 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal and recorded 17,413 rail moves at Inland Ports Greer and Dillon in March.

SC Ports reported 18,409 cruise passengers in March, which is the highest month thus far in this fiscal year. Cruise operations resumed in late December after a nearly two-year hiatus.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

 

CHARLESTON, SC — March 10, 2022 – South Carolina Ports had a record February for containers handled at the Port of Charleston.

SC Ports handled 230,420 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in February, up 26% year-over-year.

SC Ports has moved more than 1.87 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2022, from July through February, up 16% fiscal year-over-year.

“February marked the twelfth consecutive month of monthly year-over-year container records at SC Ports,” said Jim Newsome, South Carolina Ports CEO. “With record throughput volumes, we continue to experience a high number of import containers awaiting delivery on our terminals. We remain focused on creative solutions and executing our vital infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project this fall, initiating construction on the rail-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility and inner-harbor barge project, and advancing towards a quick completion of the Inland Port Greer expansion project.”

SC Ports handled 127,492 pier containers – which accounts for containers of any size – in February, up nearly 26% from a year ago.

Thus far in fiscal year 2022, SC Ports has moved 1.04 million pier containers, up nearly 16% fiscal year-over-year.

In February, SC Ports handled 119,582 loaded import TEUs, up 46% from last year as retail imports continue to drive the sustained cargo growth. Simultaneously, the Port handled 54,755 loaded export TEUs, down nearly 19% from the same month last year. As SC Ports experiences an increasing imbalance, loaded import volumes were more than double loaded export volumes in February.

“Together, with our teammates, broader maritime community and motor carriers, we continue to work through this unprecedented time of supply chain challenges,” Newsome said. “The strength of our port continues to be in our highly skilled workforce and how we adapt collectively to keep freight moving for our customers.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

CHARLESTON, SC — February 8, 2022 – South Carolina Ports had a record January for containers handled at the Port of Charleston, following an unprecedented amount of cargo handled in 2021.

SC Ports handled 226,515 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in January, up 4.7% year-over-year. SC Ports has handled more than 1.64 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2022, from July through January, up nearly 15% fiscal year-over-year.

SC Ports handled 125,452 pier containers – which accounts for containers of any size – in January, up 3.5% from a year ago. The Port has handled 913,321 pier containers thus far in fiscal year 2022, up nearly 15% fiscal year-over-year.

January marked the 11^th consecutive month of monthly year-over-year container records.

“The global supply chain continues to see great strain from handling unprecedented amounts of cargo,” said Jim Newsome, South Carolina Ports CEO. “With record throughput volumes, we are experiencing a record number of import containers on our terminals awaiting delivery. South Carolina Ports invested strategically in port infrastructure, and we are deploying creative solutions to ensure fluidity for our customers.”

SC Ports handled 117,181 loaded imports in January, up nearly 23% year-over-year as retail imports continue to drive the sustained cargo growth as consumers buy more retail goods.

Inland Port Greer reported 9,301 rail moves in January, while Inland Port Dillon reported 1,942 rail moves last month. Combined, the inland ports have handled 101,913 rail moves thus far in fiscal year 2022.

Vehicle volumes are up nearly 16% year-over-year, with 14,172 vehicles handled at Columbus Street Terminal in January.

SC Ports had three port-of-calls in January, and also welcomed back its homeported ship, the Carnival Sunshine. In total, the Port handled 9,490 cruise passengers last month.

First shipment of chassis for SMART Chassis Pool arrived in January

SC Ports received its first shipment of more than 700 chassis in January, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the SC Ports-owned and operated SMART chassis fleet. South Carolina Ports will continue receiving chassis equipment throughout 2022 as the Port builds its fleet leading up to the full launch of the SMART chassis pool in April 2023.

“The delivery of these chassis marks a new era for South Carolina Ports,” said Barbara Melvin, South Carolina Ports COO. “With the launch of the chassis pool in 2023, South Carolina Ports will enhance the reliability, safety, quality and availability of equipment for the benefit of motor carriers and customers.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

CHARLESTON, SC — January 24, 2022 — South Carolina Ports received its first shipment of chassis today, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the SC Ports-owned and operated SMART chassis fleet.

“There has never been more of a need for chassis in the supply chain,” said Jim Newsome, South Carolina Ports CEO. “We found a great partner in Dorsey Intermodal in manufacturing the new port-operated chassis fleet. This is a true reflection of our commitment to creative solutions and ensures efficient and fluid operations as we continue to handle record-breaking cargo volumes.”

This initial shipment delivers more than 700 chassis with another 1,600 expected to arrive in February. South Carolina Ports will continue receiving chassis equipment throughout 2022 as the Port builds its fleet leading up to the full launch of the SMART chassis pool in 2023.

SC Ports continues to work with the management of the existing South Atlantic Chassis Pool, SACP 2.0, to create a smooth transition that will insure uninterrupted service for our ocean carrier customers, shippers, and motor carriers.

“The delivery of these chassis marks a new era for South Carolina Ports,” said Barbara Melvin, South Carolina Ports COO. “With the launch of the chassis pool in 2023, South Carolina Ports will enhance the reliability, safety, quality and availability of equipment for the benefit of motor carriers and customers.”

The chassis arrived at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal aboard the Liberty Promise after a 40-day journey from Vietnam-based manufacturer THACO Special Vehicle. Dorsey Intermodal partnered with THACO Special Vehicle to increase manufacturing capacity.

“We are humbled to be part of the team bringing South Carolina Ports’ chassis fleet to fruition,” said JP Pierson, Dorsey Intermodal President. “Through our collaboration, South Carolina Ports is bringing a great product to the supply chain at a time it’s most needed, and providing their customers with reliable and safe equipment. We are grateful for the opportunity and congratulate the entire team on this endeavor.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.